§ Mr. CHARLES BATHURSTasked the Parliamentary Secretary whether he is aware that the disease known as the Isle of Wight bee disease is prevalent, not only in several parts of Hampshire besides the Isle of Wight, but also in counties so far apart as Devon and Kent; and whether, in view of the anticipated shortage of honey consequent upon the spread of this disease and the detrimental effects of the reduction of the bee population on the fertilisation and pollenation of many farm and garden crops, the Board will take immediate steps if necessary by compelling the entire destruction of swarms in infected areas to check the further spread of the disease?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYI am aware of the fact that the disease in question unfortunately exists in the counties mentioned. Investigations are proceeding which I hope may enable us to take steps for its suppression, but it is by no means clear as yet that the adoption of the course suggested would be of any real service.
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§ Mr. CHARLES BATHURSTasked whether the investigations of Dr. Maiden into the Isle of Wight bee disease have been brought to the notice of, or received any encouragement from, the Board; and whether, in view of the increasing prevalence of this disease and the lack of information with regard to it, the Board will conduct a special scientific inquiry into the pathology of the disease, its mode of communication, and the possibility of its prevention or cure, or alternatively will themselves make, or apply to the Development Commissioners for, a grant to promote further investigation and research into the disease on the part of individual scientists or scientific institutions?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYThe investigations to which the hon. Member refers were undertaken at the request of the Board, who made a grant towards their cost. A preliminary report was published in the "Board's Journal" of February, 1909. Further investigations of the nature suggested are now being made.